(Enter Plant.)
Plant. Ah, here you are, my precious jewels!
(Doctor rises, girls rise with him, still holding his hands.)
Sir, accept a father's thanks!
(Holds out his hand, which Doctor cannot take—Bus. then girls release him—shaking Doctor's hand.)
Forgive my harshness this afternoon—a father's feelings, you know.
Doctor. On the contrary, you ought to forgive me—I know now how much I owe you—my fairy prince!
(Girls laugh and sit on sofa.)
Plant. (quickly) Hush! Not before the girls! (goes to them, stands back of sofa) My precious jewels, how thankful I am to find you safe and well, (aside) I'll give it you when I get you home. I know all! (to Doctor) Two dear girls, Doctor. who have never given me a moment's uneasiness all their blameless lives, (aside to Ruby) Have you settled? Which is it to be?
Ruby. (aside to him) Me.